Artistic installation reappears in Washington D.C.
A statue depicting former President Donald Trump hand in hand with financier Jeffrey Epstein, convicted of sexual offenses, has returned to Washington D.C.’s National Mall. The artwork, removed in late September, was reinstalled a week later by the artistic collective behind its creation.
The piece, first titled Best Friends Forever and now renamed Why Can’t We Be Friends?, was initially placed in front of the U.S. Capitol on September 23. Its plaque referenced the alleged friendship between Trump and Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.
Permits and removal controversy
The group responsible, known as The Secret Handshake, had obtained a permit to display the statue until September 28. However, U.S. Park Police removed it less than 24 hours after it appeared. The collective argued that the removal did not comply with the procedures established in the permit.
After recovering the damaged sculpture, the group attempted to reinstall it on two occasions, succeeding on the third attempt. According to the approved permit, the statue is allowed to remain on the Mall until October 6 at 8 p.m.
Political context and ongoing debate
The installation has fueled public debate, not only for its satirical tone but also due to the history between Trump and Epstein. Trump has stated that their relationship ended before Epstein’s 2006 indictment, yet the statue revives questions about the extent of their past interactions.
Meanwhile, political pressure continues for the release of the so-called “Epstein files,” a collection of documents from investigations into the case. The incomplete disclosure of these records has drawn criticism and calls from members of Congress for full publication.
The statue’s return highlights how artistic interventions can intersect with political discourse, sparking reflection on controversial associations and ongoing demands for transparency in the United States.
